General Health and Wellness for Dogs

Keeping your dog healthy depends on maintaining a healthy relationship with your veterinarian. It’s important for your veterinarian to see your dog on a regular basis – not only when he or she is sick.

Why are routine wellness exams so important? One of the reasons has to do with the pet aging process. Dogs age faster than people – seven times faster, on average – and most dogs are considered “senior” by age seven. Because they age so rapidly, major health changes like cancer, diabetes, arthritis or heart disease can occur in a short amount of time.

Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to diagnose, manage or even protect against potential health problems before they become serious. Common canine health screenings recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association include:

• Immunizations
• Parasite check
• Heartworm check
• Dental health exam
• Blood panel (CBC)
• Chemistry panel
• Urinalysis
• Osteoarthritis check (for senior dogs)
• Chest radiograph (for senior dogs)
• Thyroid check (for senior dogs)

Ask your veterinarian if wellness supplements are right for your best friend.